The current state of UK EV infrastructure
The UK’s EV infrastructure is on a good trajectory to reach its goal of 300,000 public electric charging stations by 2030. As of the end of October 2024, there were 71,459
public EV charging points across the UK, in addition to an estimated 850,000 charging points installed at homes and workplaces. However, there are still flaws within the UK’s EV infrastructure which must be navigated to support the transition.
The RAC’s 2024 report finds range anxiety continues to be a leading barrier to adoption, along with cost. Growth in private buyer demand for diesel also outstripped demand for EVs according to September 2024 SMMT data. While infrastructure must be built to meet demand, the sale of EVs also needs to continue to help drive continued investment in a robust infrastructure.
The anticipated reaffirmation of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales has certainly helped provide the industry with the clarity it needed and the £2 billion investment into the automotive sector is a welcomed support. But it’s important to remember that the UK’s success will not only be measured on the number of public and private charging stations, or even the number of EVs, but in our ability to develop a sustainable, efficient, and user-centric experience that makes the transition to EV accessible to all.
Challenges within the EV industry
One of the biggest challenges within the industry is the dramatic contrast between home and public charging experiences. For EV owners with home charging capabilities the experience is nothing short of revolutionary. You practically have your own personal ‘filling station’ where each morning you wake up to a charged vehicle– a transforming convenience. Yet this begs the question, what happens if you can’t charge your vehicle at home?
Public charging can be complicated to navigate with multiple apps to locate charging stations, varying payment systems and different chargers – it’s a minefield. This complexity is a significant barrier to widespread EV adoption. With over 35,000 charging locations in the UK, the infrastructure is growing rapidly, but the user experience remains fragmented and often frustrating. This disparity between home and public charging experiences highlights the need for a more user-friendly approach to public EV charging.
Critically, reliability emerges as a fundamental challenge. While home charging solutions have demonstrated remarkable consistency, public charging networks frequently struggle with operational uncertainties. Uptime issues and maintenance challenges plague many public charging locations, undermining user confidence and disrupting the promise of electric mobility.
A Government mandate will expect Charge Point Operators (CPO) to provide 24/7 access to free helplines, 99% reliability for rapid public charge points and increased payment options from November this year. This regulation takes a customer-centric approach which will enhance the public charging experience and will hopefully make charging on the go simpler to navigate.
However, it is at home where drivers charge their cars the most and the rollout of home charging points is an important part of the puzzle that must not be forgotten. The cost of installation and rising energy prices can be a barrier, despite savings made on fuel outstripping the cost of charging. For those who do not have off-road parking or live in a flat, installing a home charger is more complicated.
Priorities for the UK government and EV industry
The transition to EVs in the UK requires a coordinated effort from both the government and the industry. It was positive to see the recent Budget reinforcing Labour’s commitment to EVs by extending tax incentives and providing a £200m investment into charging infrastructure. This support for EV adoption is critical to incentivising consumers.
Maintaining and expanding these financial incentives for EV purchases is vital in allowing more consumers to make the switch to EVs. By continuing and potentially increasing purchase grants for EVs with favourable financing options, the government can help overcome the initial cost barrier and encourage more consumers to make the switch to EVs.
Consumer education will play a crucial role, too. Clear, accessible information about charging options, infrastructure development, and the long-term benefits of electric mobility can help overcome psychological barriers to adoption.
Secondly, the interoperability of different public chargers is necessary for widespread EV adoption. The EV industry needs to develop and implement universal charging standards and encourage open collaboration between charging network providers. By prioritising interoperability, EV owners can confidently use any charging station, regardless of the provider or location, making the charging experience seamless and convenient.
Lastly, the government needs to implement supportive legislation that will drive infrastructure development to streamline the installation process of public chargers. While availability of public chargers dominates the conversation, home and semi-public charger installations must not be forgotten. It’s at home that drivers charge their cars the most, so it is an important part of the puzzle. Private charging encompasses both home installations and semi-public facilities such as in apartment complexes and new residential developments. Yet private charging requires both comprehensive support through planning regulations, legislation, and subsidy programs to streamline installation processes for rental properties. Mandatory charging infrastructure in new developments as well as successful home charging grant schemes will also help to create a comprehensive charging network that supports widespread EV adoption.
Conclusion
The road to sustainable transportation is about creating an ecosystem that makes EVs accessible to everyone, convenient and appealing to build consumer confidence in EV adoption. This means designing infrastructure that is not just functional, but user-friendly and can be effortlessly integrated into daily life.
The solution lies not in competition, but in collaboration. The ICE ban represents more than a regulatory deadline – it’s a powerful catalyst for transformation. This timeline provides a clear, unified objective to align industry stakeholders and create a comprehensive framework for infrastructure development. The EV transition represents an opportunity so vast that there is genuinely enough cake for all industry stakeholders to work together to support the wider EV transition. It’s imperative that the industry unites to accelerate innovation.
As we look to the future, the UK has the opportunity to become a leader in EV infrastructure. By embracing collaboration and prioritising consumers we can overcome the hurdles standing in the way of a successful EV transport transition.
Author: Adam Rodgers, UK Country Director, Easee